SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS

The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, January 6, 2015, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

             Freeman Ford, Darrell Wiley, Chris Lacour, James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Lizzie Ned, Michael P. Lacombe, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.

             Absent: None.

An Invocation was offered by Board Member Lizzie Ned.

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America led by Board Member Michael Lacombe.

             1.          Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented a plaque to outgoing President Darrell Wiley and outgoing Vice-President Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. for serving for the period January 7, 2014 through January 6, 2015.

             2.          Judge William Bennett was recognized for the purpose of administering the Oath of Office to new and re-elected members of the Avoyelles Parish School Board, as follows:

                           Darrell Wiley, District 2; Chris Lacour, District 3; James Gauthier, District 4; Shelia Blackman-Dupas, District 5; Lizzie Ned, District 6; Michael P. Lacombe, District 7; Van Kojis, District 8; and John Gagnard, District 9.

             3.          Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine advised the Board that the terms of office for the President and Vice-President of the Avoyelles Parish School Board have expired.  He then called for nominations for the office of President.

                           Board Member Michael Lacombe placed the name of Van Kojis in nomination for the office of President.  The nomination was seconded by James Gauthier.

                           There were no other nominations.  Board Member James Gauthier moved that the nominations for the office of President be closed.  This motion was seconded by Darrell Wiley.

                           Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine requested that the board members cast their votes.  By a unanimous vote of 8-0, Mr. Van Kojis was elected President of the Avoyelles Parish School Board for the 2015 school year.

             4.          President Van Kojis called for nominations for the office of Vice-President.

                           Board Member Chris Lacour placed the name of Michael Lacombe in nomination for the office of Vice-President.  The nomination was seconded by Darrell Wiley.

                           Board Member James Gauthier placed the name of John Gagnard in nomination for the office of Vice-President.  The nomination was seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas.

                           There were no other nominations.  Board Member Lizzie Ned moved that the nominations for the office of Vice-President be closed.  This motion was seconded by Darrell Wiley.

                           President Van Kojis requested that the board members cast their votes for those nominated.

                           The vote was as follows:

                           For Michael Lacombe:                Chris Lacour, Darrell Wiley, Van Kojis, Michael

                                                                                Lacombe, and Lizzie Ned.

                           For John Gagnard:                      James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, and John Gagnard.

                            By a vote of 5-3, Mr. Michael Lacombe was elected Vice-President of the Avoyelles Parish School Board for the 2015 school year.

             5.          On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, December 2, 2014, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board.  MOTION CARRIED.

             6.          Mr. John Gagnard, Board Member, read a resolution of respect to the late Elise Shivor, former teacher.

                           On motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Chris Lacour, the Board approved a resolution of respect to the late Elise Shivor.  MOTION CARRIED.

             7.          Ms. Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Board Member, read a resolution of respect to the late Isma  Escude, former school secretary.

                           On motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board adopted a resolution of  respect to the late Isma Escude.  MOTION CARRIED.

             8.          Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine recognized the Students of the Month.  Mr. Lemoine presented a plaque to each student.  Also, each Board Member read a short biography detailing the accomplishments of each student. 

                           The Students of the Month include: Gage Armand, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Tamerrian Prater, Cottonport Elementary School; Paul Marquet, Lafargue Elementary School; Hayden Decker, Marksville Elementary School; Gracie Foret, Plaucheville Elementary School; Aleya Edwards, Riverside Elementary School; Ashton Moreau, Avoyelles High School; Abby Mitchell, Bunkie New Tech High School; Hunter Bordelon, LaSAS; and Ashley Taylor, Marksville High School.

                           On behalf of the Board, President Van Kojis commended the students on their accomplishments.

             9.          Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine and Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater recognized the Teachers of the Month.  Mr. Lemoine presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:

                           Debra Leblanc, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Casey Nastasi, Cottonport Elementary School; Robin Williber, Lafargue Elementary School; Jennifer Sabree, Marksville Elementary School; Michel Morgan, Plaucheville Elementary School; William Beebe, Riverside Elementary School; Alyssa Anderson, Avoyelles High School; Melissa Higginbotham, Bunkie New Tech High School; Rene Corley, LaSAS; and Timberly Deville, Marksville High School. 

                           On behalf of the Board, President Van Kojis commended the teachers on their achievements.

             10.        Ms. Aloysia Ducote, Certified Public Accountant with Ducote and Company, presented a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for fiscal year ending June 30, 2014.  Ms. Ducote stated that her firm issued an unqualified opinion for fiscal year audit 2013-2014, and she noted no material instances of non-compliance with government auditing standards.

                           Ms. Ducote commended the Board as well as the staff for maintaining sound fiscal management practices.

             11.        Mr. Wilfred Ducote, Sales Tax Collector, reported that sales tax collections for the month of October, 2014 totaled $660,209.99. Mr. Ducote stated that of this amount the 1.5% sales tax generated $566,268.90 and the 0.25% generated $93,941.09.

                           Also, Mr. Ducote reported that sales tax collections for the month of November, 2014 totaled $618,769.60.  Mr. Ducote stated that of this amount the 1.5% sales tax generated $530,382.64 and the 0.25% generated $88,386.96.

                           At this point in the meeting, at approximately 5:35 p.m., Board Member Freeman Ford entered the meeting.

             12.        Ms. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, presented an update report on the search for Superintendent.  There were a total of six applicants for the position:  Alison Andrews; Debbie C. Bain; Spurgeon A. Banyard, Ph. D; Bianca W. Brown, Ed. D.; Blaine M. Dauzat; and Charles S. Michel, Ed. D.  First-round interviews will be conducted in Executive Session by the entire Board on Tuesday, January 13, 2014, beginning at 5:00 p.m.  The Board will then narrow the selection to three candidates.  The Board will cast their votes for Superintendent at the regular Board meeting on February 3 in open session.

             13.        Mr. Van Kojis, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:

Building and Lands Committee Report

December 9, 2014

                           The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, December 9, 2014, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

                           Van Kojis, Chairman; Michael Lacombe, James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Darrell Wiley, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Also present were John Gagnard, Board Member; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.

                           1.          Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented the Cottonport Elementary School Renovation Project, which is part of the Seven-Year Plan.

                                        Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Building and Lands Committee recommended that the Superintendent and Maintenance Supervisor begin the bid process for the Cottonport Elementary School renovation project.  MOTION CARRIED.

                           The Building and Lands Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

                                                                  Van Kojis, Chairman

                                                                  Building and Lands Committee

                           On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Chris Lacour, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Kojis.   MOTION CARRIED.

             14.        Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:

Education Committee Report

December 9, 2014

                           The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, December 9, 2014, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

                           James Gauthier, Chairman; John Gagnard, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Darrell Wiley, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent.  Mr. Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., was absent. Also present were Freeman Ford, Lizzie Ned, Michael P. Lacombe, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; and Karen Williams, Supervisor of Special Services.

                           1.          Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented a report regarding “Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Local Education Agencies Determinations.”

                                        The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.

                           2.          Chairman James Gauthier addressed the Education Committee regarding Eureka Math.

                                        Upon motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Education Committee recommended to construct a survey to determine the teachers’ attitudes regarding the current mathematics and English/Language Arts curriculums.  MOTION CARRIED.

                           The Education Committee respectfully requests the adoption of this report.

                                                                                James Gauthier, Chairman

                                                                                Education Committee

                           On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Gauthier.  MOTION CARRIED.

             15.        At this time, Avoyelles Parish District Attorney Charles Riddle III administered the Oath of Office to Mr. Freeman Ford, District 1 Board Member of the Avoyelles Parish School Board.

             16.        Mr. John Gagnard, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:

Bus Committee Report

December 9, 2014

                           The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, December 9, 2014, at 6:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

                           John Gagnard, Chairman; James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, Lizzie Ned, Darrell Wiley, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent.  Also present were Freeman Ford, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Wilfred Ducote, Transportation Supervisor; and  Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.

                           1,          Mr. Wilfred Ducote, Transportation Supervisor, addressed the committee regarding Act 654 revisions to bus routes for compliance.

                                        The Bus Committee did not take any action on this matter.

             The Bus Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

                                                                                John Gagnard, Chairman

                                                                                Bus Committee              

                           On motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairman Gagnard.  MOTION CARRIED.

             17.        Mr. Freeman Ford, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:

Executive Committee Report

December 9, 2014

                           The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, December 9, 2014, at 5:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

                           Freeman Ford, Chairman; John Gagnard, Lizzie Ned, Darrell Wiley, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent.  Mr. Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. was absent.  Also present were James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Michael Lacombe, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; and Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance.

                           1.          Mrs. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, presented a revised job description for Transportation Supervisor.

                                        Upon motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Executive Committee recommended approval of the revised job description for Transportation Supervisor.  MOTION CARRIED.

                           2.          Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented the Pupil Progression Plan for the committee’s approval.

                                        Upon motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by John Gagnard, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the changes to the Pupil Progression Plan as presented.   MOTION CARRIED.

                           3.          Mrs.  Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, presented policies presented by Forethought Consulting, Incorporated for the committee’s consideration, as follows:

                                        (a)         File: GBI                          Evaluation of Personnel

                                        (b)         File: GBJ                         Promotion

                                        (c)         File: GBK                        Employee Discipline

                                        (d)         File: GBL                         Tenure

                                        (e)         File: GBN                        Dismissal of Employees

                                        (f)          File: GBRIB                    Sick Leave

                                        Upon motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Executive Committee recommended to approve all changes to policies submitted by Forethought Consulting, Incorporated.  MOTION CARRIED.

                           The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

                                                                  Freeman Ford, Chairman

                                                                  Executive Committee

                           On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Ford.  MOTION CARRIED.

             18.        Mrs. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, presented personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:

PERSONNEL CHANGES

BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Appointment of Janet Bledsoe, teacher, effective January 5, 2015 through May 21, 2015, replacing Josie Green.

COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of April Book, (TAT) teacher, effective January 5, 2015 through May 21, 2015.

LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Change in appointment status: Appointment of Roxanne Couvillion, from regular education classroom teacher to interventionist, effective January 5, 2015 through May 21, 2015; and Appointment of Olivia Clouse, teacher, effective January 5, 2015 through May 21, 2015, replacing Roxanne Couvillion.

MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Shayne Bertrand, teacher, effective at the end of the day December 19, 2014; and Resignation of Edward C. Conway, bus driver, effective December 31, 2014, for the purpose of retirement.

PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Change in appointment status:  Appointment of Tiffany Rabalais, from special education teacher to regular education teacher, effective December 8, 2014 through May 21, 2015, replacing Kelly Secrist.

AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL:  Re-appointment of Mackenzie Foreman, (TAT) teacher, effective January 5, 2015 through May 21, 2015; Re-appointment of Anne Lemoine, band teacher, effective January 5, 2015 through May 21, 2015; Resignation of Sara Baicker-McKee, teacher, effective at the end of the day December 5, 2014; and Resignation of Catherine L. Dorgant, teacher, effective at the end of the day December 19, 2014.

BUNKIE NEW TECH HIGH SCHOOL:  Appointment of Jacquelyn S. Socia, (TAT) teacher, effective January 5, 2015 through May 21, 2015, replacing Candi Williams; and Appointment of Lorie D. Descant, teacher, effective January 5, 2015 through May 21, 2015, replacing Valerie Chesne.

LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Appointment of Krysten Cannatella, teacher, effective January 5, 2015 through May 21, 2015, replacing Melissa Williams.

MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Re-appointment of Tralanya Wilson, teacher, effective January 5, 2015 through February 6, 2015; and Resignation of Maria Nell Eroja, special education teacher, effective at the end of the day December 19, 2014.

ADDENDUM(S)

1/6/2015

BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY:  Transfer/appointment of Amy Cole, Principal, from Riverside Elementary School, effective January 7, 2015.

COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Betty Chesne, food service technician, effective January 12, 2015.

PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Jerris Blackman, food service technician, effective at the end of the day January 5, 2015; and Appointment of Bernice Knott, food service technician, effective January 12, 2015, replacing Jerris Blackman.

AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Pattrecia Darbonne, school secretary, effective January 7, 2015.

BUNKIE NEW TECH HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Sydney Lemoine, teacher, effective January 5, 2015 through May 21, 2015, replacing Brandi Williams.

MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Xavier R. Rawls-Stromile, physical education teacher, effective January 15, 2015.

AVOYELLES PARISH PUPIL APPRAISAL CENTER: Appointment of Margaret Vidrine, (retired) teacher, effective January 7, 2015 through February 20, 2015, replacing Aimee Hayes while on leave.

             19.        In miscellaneous business, a motion was made by Freeman Ford, seconded by James Gauthier, that an item be added to the Executive Session, more specifically, an expulsion appeal.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

             20.        On motion by John Gagnard, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board agreed to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing an expulsion appeal as well as pending litigation (Holmes versus Avoyelles Parish School Board bearing Civil Action 12,721 on the docket of the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana.)  MOTION CARRIED.

                           On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board reconvened in open public session at approximately 6:35 p.m.

                           A motion was made by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Chris Lacour, that the expulsion discussed in Executive Session by upheld by the Board.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

                           There being no further business, on motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Freeman Ford, the meeting was adjourned.

AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

 Van Kojis, President

Dwayne Lemoine, Secretary-Treasurer